Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a silent, invisible threat that needs to be monitored in every home. Fortunately, a Carbon Monoxide detector can help with that. You must remember, however, that they don’t last forever. A correctly working detector will cease being effective after around 7 years. This warning does not come from CO detector manufacturers trying to sell more units. It comes from years of experience from fire departments receiving false CO alarms from old monitors.
It is important to remember that Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas. It’s potential presence should be taken very seriously. In your home, it can come from any appliance that is fueled by flames. Examples of these appliances are gas ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, grills, kerosene space heaters, vehicles and water heaters. Open flames are the most common source of CO. Anyone experiences elevated levels of CO will feel dizzy, nauseous or faint.
Along with maintaining a properly working Carbon Monoxide detector, there are some other ways to decrease CO exposure in your home. One is to have your chimney regularly cleaned and maintained. This eliminates obstructions that could push smoke back into your home. Another is to have your dryer vent routinely cleaned. This also allows the free flow of air from a hot appliance.
Keep your family safe by properly maintaining CO and smoke detectors and any flame fueled appliances.